League previews, predictions

2013 football previews for the Mississippi Valley Conference and Gazette-area districts: 

MVC MISSISSIPPI DIVISION

Overview -- Lots of folks are under the impression that

Iowa City West is set to slide after its undefeated regular season of a year ago. I'm not so sure. The Trojans lost a lot of weapons from an extremely explosive team, but do return quarterback Nate Boland. Pencil in the Trojans as a slight favorite over ascendant

Dubuque Senior, which also returns its signal-caller in Austin Clemens and has a ton of momentum on its side after getting its program off the ground to the tune of 7-3 in 2012.

Iowa City High looks to rebound after a non-City-like 4-6 year, and

Cedar Rapids Kennedy has its eye on a faster start after opening 0-5 -- then reversing course -- last season. The Cougars have an all-state lineman in Austin Holzer.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Iowa City West*, 2. Dubuque Senior*, 3. Iowa City High*, 4. Cedar Rapids Kennedy*, 5. Cedar Rapids Jefferson, 6. Waterloo East, 7. Dubuque Hempstead. 

MVC VALLEY DIVISION

Overview -- Can

Cedar Rapids

Xavier take one more step, win one more game? Why not? The Saints are loaded on defense, returning the bulk of their unit from a team that led the state in scoring defense (8.6 points per game). University of Iowa recruit Matt Nelson anchors it. Xavier ought to be head-and-shoulders the class of the MVC.

Cedar Rapids Prairie made giant strides last season, going 8-4 and reaching the 4A quarterfinals. The Hawks lose most of their top skill players, but bring back a defensive playmaker in Austin Dellamuth, who intercepted six passes last year. It's impossible to overlook

Cedar Falls, which features Alabama commitment Ross Pierschbacher (lineman) and linebacker Jared Farley.

Cedar Rapids Washington and

Linn-Mar figure to move up after 3-6, non-playoff seasons.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Cedar Rapids Xavier*, 2. Cedar Rapids Prairie*, 3. Cedar Falls*, 4. Cedar Rapids Washington*, 5. Linn-Mar*, 6. Waterloo West*, 7. Dubuque Wahlert. 

CLASS 3A DISTRICT 5

Overview -- After posting an undefeated, state-championship dream season,

Decorah goes about reloading behind 1,166-yard rusher Holt Johansen. The Vikings were gutted by graduation, but will be solid again. The big push forward out of this district could come from

Crestwood, which returns all of its top six tacklers from a year ago, plus top receiver Jeffrey Haskovec.

West Delaware is a perennial district contender, and welcomes back quarterback Brent Lammers and top tackler Jake Voss.

Western Dubuque is the pick here to edge

Independence and

Vinton-Shellsburg for the final playoff spot.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Decorah*, 2. Crestwood*, 3. West Delaware*, 4. Western Dubuque*, 5. Independence, 6. Vinton-Shellsburg, 7. Oelwein. 

CLASS 3A DISTRICT 6

Overview -- This ought to be a fairly compact district from 1 through 6. In sheer terms of returners, the nod goes to

Maquoketa. The Cardinals bring back quarterback Trent Bollman and three of its top four tacklers from a year ago, led by district leader Cohl Kueter (121 stops, 20 for loss).

Solon, Marion and

DeWitt Central provide the chase group, though

Clear Creek Amana could join them and

Benton Community will be vastly improved. Marion has a prime pass-and-catch combo in Trevor Hardman and Quinn Cannoy. The Indians' line won't be as big as recent years, but could be more athletic.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Maquoketa*, 2. Solon*, 3. Marion*, 4. DeWitt Central*, 5. Clear Creek Amana, 6. Benton Community, 7. Anamosa. 

CLASS 3A DISTRICT 7

Overview -- It would be a shock if this was anything but a two-team race for the title, with everybody else scrambling for the final two playoff spots.

Williamsburg and

Washington are, without a doubt, the class of this district. A state semifinalist last year, Williamsburg won last year's battle with the Demons, 20-7, and hosts this year's encounter in Week 6. The Raiders have two all-staters back in defensive back Aaron Schultz and kicker Andrew Wichman; linebacker Garrett Covington returns for the Demons. He collected 120 tackles last year. Also back for the Demons are quarterback Daryn Seibelius, top rusher Alex Coker (955 yards) and leading receiver Tanner Knupp (30 catches, 398 yards).

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Williamsburg*, 2. Washington*, 3. Fort Madison*, 4. Keokuk*, 5. Mount Pleasant, 6. Centerville, 7. Fairfield. 

CLASS 2A DISTRICT 3

Overview -- No question,

Union sports the top player in the district (and one of the best in the state) in quarterback Jay Scheel. The University of Iowa recruit rushed for 20 touchdowns and passed for 19 last season, and led the Knights to a state championship the year before. The best team? That's probably

Waukon. The Indians went from 2-7 to 9-3 last season, advancing to the 2A quarterfinals. Back are all-state defenders Dakota Ness, Glyeb Ewing and Seth Snitker, as well as running backs Parker Hesse and Marcus Weymiller, who combined for more than 2,100 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground.

Hampton-Dumont looks primed to make a big jump this year after a 2-7 campaign in 2012.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Waukon*, 2. Union*, 3. Hampton-Dumont*, 4. Osage*, 5. New Hampton, 6. Waterloo Columbus, 7. Central Springs. 

CLASS 2A DISTRICT 4

Overview -- Good luck game-planning for the aerial assault that

Dyersville Beckman possesses. The Blazers return quarterback Grant Hammann, a third-team all-stater who passes for 1,731 yards and 13 touchdowns, as well as his three favorite targets (Mitch Steger, Tony Anstoetter and Kyle Grover). That's the primary reason Beckman is a solid favorite in this district and a good bet to surpass their 11-2, state-semifinal season of 2012.

Mount Vernon made strides toward becoming the Mount Vernon we're accustomed to, reaching the playoffs. The Mustangs should continue their upward progress this fall behind a veteran defense.

Monticello and

Center Point-Urbana look like the other playoff teams.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Dyersville Beckman*, 2. Mount Vernon*, 3. Monticello*, 4. Center Point-Urbana*, 5. Cascade, 6. Camanche, 7. Northeast. 

CLASS 2A DISTRICT 5

Overview -- In terms of quantity, nobody in Class 2A returns more than

Louisa-Muscatine, and the Falcons appear poised to push their way to the top of a district that includes 2012 state runner-up

Mediapolis. L-M (4-6 last year) welcomes back its quarterback, its top four rushers, its top four receivers and six of its top eight tacklers.

Mid-Prairie also is well-fortified behind Reid Miller, who passed for 1,253 yards and collected 99 tackles. The Golden Hawks also bring back the strong leg of Austin Errthum, who boomed a 58-yard field goal last season. Mediapolis remains a contender despite heavy graduation losses.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Louisa-Muscatine*, 2. Mid-Prairie*, 3. Mediapolis*, 4. Columbus Junction*, 5. West Liberty, 6. West Burlington-Notre Dame, 7. Central Lee. 

CLASS 1A DISTRICT 4

Overview -- It seems as if

South Winneshiek has a tendency from year to year to ping-pong from being extremely good to, well, not. But the defending-district champions have the capacity to stick around at the top. QB Garrett Bohach led the district in passing yards (1,262) and ran for more than 500. His favorite target, Jordan Rommes, collected 11 receiving TDs, and Chris Brincks collected 92 tackles (17 for loss). The playoff pecking order should be similar to last year, with

Saint Ansgar and

Sumner-Fredericksburg looking strong again. If chemistry from its merger is good, expect

North Fayette Valley to make it back to the playoffs after a rare down year (if you consider 5-4 "down").

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. South Winneshiek*, 2. Saint Ansgar*, 3. Sumner-Fredericksburg*, 4. North Fayette Valley*, 5. Denver, 6. Jesup, 7. MFL MarMac. 

CLASS 1A DISTRICT 5

Overview -- After sharing the top spot in the district last season,

Maquoketa Valley and

Clayton Ridge appear dead-even again. The Wildcats edged the Eagles, 14-7, and that outcome proved to be the tie-breaker. Both teams have quality returners in all facets; Maquoketa Valley's Ryan Parmely is a returning all-stater at linebacker and also led the district in rushing with 1,343 yards and 16 touchdowns. We'll give the Wildcats a slight nod, just because they play the Eagles at Delhi in Week 3. If anyone is to intrude on the top two teams, it could be

Alburnett. Quarterback Alec Philipp led the district in passing (1,380 yards, 19 TDs) and ran for more than 500 yards in 2012.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Maquoketa Valley*, 2. Clayton Ridge*, 3. Alburnett*, 4. Tipton*, 5. North Cedar, 6. Durant, 7. Bellevue. 

CLASS 1A DISTRICT 6

Overview -- The win streak stands at 42 games, and if

Iowa City Regina can run the table again, it will match the state's all-time longest unbeaten string of 56. The three-time defending champions return the bulk of their defense, one which allowed a paltry 10.3 points per game. Meanwhile, Riley Dixon is back to tote the load on offense. He rushed for 1,641 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. So, easy skating in this district for the Regals, right? Maybe not.

Sigourney-Keota was just 4-6 last year, but returns virtually everybody from last year's a junior-dominant team

. Wilton is gaining traction as a perennially strong team, and it would be foolish to ever count out a Butch Pedersen-coached squad at

West Branch.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Iowa City Regina*, 2. Sigourney-Keota*, 3. Wilton*, 4. West Branch*, 5. Eddyville EBF, 6. Wapello, 7. Cardinal. 

CLASS A DISTRICT 3

Overview -- Reigning state champion

Wapsie Valley was the best team in this league by a mile last year. This fall, it will be closer. The Warriors were hit hard by graduation after going 14-0, and reload around Stone Kane (443 rushing yards, 95 tackles)

. Starmont is the prime challenger to the Warriors' throne. Jake Butler and Gabe Hamlett combined for about 1,600 rushing yards, and Hamlett collected 117 tackles.

North Butler looks solid for the third playoff spot, with

Postville and

Turkey Valley chasing the fourth.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Wapsie Valley*, 2. Starmont*, 3. North Butler*, 4. Postville*, 5. Turkey Valley, 6. North Linn, 7. East Buchanan, 8. Edgewood-Colesburg. 

CLASS A DISTRICT 4

Overview -- With defending champion and perennial power

North Tama squeezed hard by graduation,

Gladbrook-Reinbeck emerges as a clear favorite. The Rebels need to replace their quarterback, but are stacked elsewhere, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Plus, they have good skill players in Chase Clark (the district's leading rusher last year) and receiver Colton Dinsdale. After that, it looks like a four-way chase for the other three playoff berths. Though 2-7 last year,

Conrad BCLUW was competitive and brings back the league's top returning passer in Conner Ubben. North Tama has tradition, and

Belle Plaine is a narrow pick over

Grundy Center for the final spot.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Gladbrook-Reinbeck*, 2. Conrad BCLUW*, 3. North Tama*, 4. Belle Plaine*, 5. Grundy Center, 6. Garwin GMG, 7. Iowa Valley. 

CLASS A DISTRICT 5

Overview -- This sort of has a 2011-ish feeling to it for

Lisbon, which won the Class A state title that year. The Lions reloaded last year to a 9-2 season, and are ready to hit the ground running this fall. They're heavy favorites to run through this district, because they return their quarterback (Logan Rickard), top rusher (Rickard again), top two receivers (led by Tyler Svatosch) and four of their top five tacklers (Rickard's an all-state linebacker).

Lone Tree is again the prime challenger, but there appears to be more of a gap between the two teams than last year.

Highland and

WACO seem to be the best of the rest.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Lisbon*, 2. Lone Tree*, 3. Highland*, 4. WACO*, 5. Van Buren, 6. Winfield-Mount Union, 7. New London, 8. Danville. 

CLASS A DISTRICT 6

Overview -- Without a doubt, this is a two-tiered district, and the top tier is remarkably strong. Start with

BGM, which went 10-3 and reached the state semifinals. The Bears ought to be even stronger this season, with two first-team all-state defensive players returning -- linebacker Adam Hawkins and defensive back Jack Kline. Add LB Kyle Gritsch into the mix, and BGM should be even better than last year, when they allowed just 11 points per game. Kline also ran for 1,500 yards.

Lynnville-Sully, Montezuma and

Pekin all have top-10 potential

. Lynnville-Sully's Bailee Samson ran for 1,389 yards, Montezuma returns its top five tacklers and Pekin welcomes back a strong receiving corps.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. BGM*, 2. Lynnville-Sully*, 3. Montezuma*, 4. Pekin*, 5. Pleasantville, 6. North Mahaska, 7. English Valleys, 8. Southeast Warren. 

EIGHT-MAN DISTRICT 4

Overview -- A year after making its first playoff trip,

Springville pursues a district championship and a deep postseason run. The Orioles have the tools, led by quarterback Sam Scriver and first-team all-state pick Elias Nissen (1,247 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns). Plus, they bring back three of their top four tacklers from a year ago. Last year's champion, Preston, is now part of

Easton Valley after a merger with East Central. The River Hawks will have an excellent ground game behind Andrew Driscoll (1,810 yards, 30 TDs) and Chase Zaruba (856 and 15). Just 2-8 last year,

Elkader Central returns nearly intact and appears ready for a big move upward.

Lansing Kee and

Midland should battle for the final spot.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Springville*, 2. Easton Valley*, 3. Elkader Central*, 4. Lansing Kee*, 5. Midland, 6. West Central, 7. Central City, 8. Cedar Valley Christian. 

EIGHT-MAN DISTRICT 5

Overview -- The first year of eight-man football was vastly successful for

HLV. The Warriors bolted through an unbeaten regular season and won the district. They did it with a veteran team, and a lot of those pieces have departed. Among the returners are QB Dakota Stults and top defenders Louis Kriegel and Parker Cataldo. HLV still figures to be a playoff contender in this district, but the role of favorite shifts to

Wayne. The Falcons return virtually intact after finishing 7-3 last year. It drops off substantially after these two teams.

Twin Cedars is probably the best of the rest, with the final playoff spot probably going to

Tri-County or

Meskwaki Settlement.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Wayne*, 2. HLV*, 3. Twin Cedars*, 4. Tri-County*, 5. Meskwaki Settlement, 6. Melcher-Dallas, 7. Moravia, 8. Seymour.